Cultural Education & Study Abroad Readiness

A closing activity encourages us to recall our memories in Cuernavaca while simultaneously 'connecting' the group with string

Myzel and Michael during the closing ceremony

The C.E.S.A.R. group signs each other's Cuernavaca t-shirts

The final group picture!

Anyhow, that about does it. It's hard to believe the experience is over already! I suspect, however, that for the six C.E.S.A.R. students, this sort of experience is far from finished. I am confident that every one of them has learned a lot and grown tremendously from their time in Mexico. The general consensus among the group is that everyone loved their experience in Mexico and the various challenges and joys it presented, but are ready to go home. Possibly most rewarding for me to have heard throughout the experience is that the students appreciate their lives and families a lot more, having gained knowledge of how other people in the world live. This is one of the many benefits of learning in an international arena!

On a final note, I don't believe I have publicly commended Teneisha Ellis for her extraordinary vision in creating the C.E.S.A.R. program and her amazing commitment to the students in it. Ever since hearing about this program for the first time several months ago, I have been impressed by Teneisha's desire to help her C.E.S.A.R. students expand their own worlds, and working for the program has been an absolute delight. Thank you, Teneisha, for your phenomenal work in this program. The students are lucky to have met you. Additional kudos to Michelle, (my mother) for being so kind and talented a leader in my time in Mexico. I have been extremely impressed by her skill as a cross-cultural educator, and am glad I have had this chance to work with her. Also, our host, CCIDD, deserve public thanks, having organized countless events for C.E.S.A.R. and accommodating us with warmth and compassion. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I am in awe of the C.E.S.A.R. students. Not every moment of this trip was easy or fun, but the students regularly handled themselves with a grace and passion beyond their years. Most significantly, every one of them engaged themselves in the program in Mexico and I am both honored and touched to have been able to record their experience.

For the last time, (at least from Mexico!) good night, everyone. I can say, with complete conviction, that this program has been amazing for all of us involved. However, an international educational experience only tends to ripen with age, impacting the student more as they grow older. I can only hope this remains true of the C.E.S.A.R. students, and if what I have heard these students say over the past week is any indication, it certainly will.

It has truly been a pleasure. Buenos noches.

Aaron

P.S. To any C.E.S.A.R. students: if you feel like contacting me in the future, I can be reached at aaron.boslun@gmail.com. Great job, all of you! I had a lot of fun knowing you and was extremely impressed by each and every one of you! Best of luck with everything!